Physocarpus opulifolius (Common Ninebark)
Michael's Opinion
A stunning shrub, engulfed in snowy white puffed flowers in the spring, colourful leaves and during the winter, its colourful, exfoliating stripped bark is revealed. An excellent ornamental shrub for all seasons and so easily maintained.
Botanical Information
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Physocarpus |
| Species | opulifolius |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Shrub (deciduous) |
| Origin | North America. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 3 - 7 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 1a - 7a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 - H5 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | (-37) - (-12) |
| Temperature (°F) | (-35) - 10 |
| Height | 1.5-3 m |
| Spread | 2-3 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | May, June |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Multi-stemmed deciduous shrub, arched branches with an upright spreading habit of growth. |
| Shape | Large, upright and spreading. |
| Landscape | Borders, ornamental. |
| Cultivation | Tolerates most soil conditions with full sun to partial shade, cannot grow in full shade. |
| Notable Specimens | Skunks Misery, Middlesex County Forests, Middlesex, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Stream banks, bluffs, hillsides, woodlands and thickets. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Beautiful peeling park, yellow-brown, orange-brown or reddish-brown in colour. |
| Leaf Description | Ovate to ovoid with 3-5 lobes, green, yellow and purple in colour. |
| Flower Description | White flowers that grow in clusters creating a white puffy-ball appearance. |
| Fruit Description | Reddish fruit which shows well against the foliage. |
Photographs
Physocarpus opulifolius, form.
Physocarpus opulifolius, leaf.
Physocarpus opulifolius, flower.
Physocarpus opulifolius, seed capsules.
Physocarpus opulifolius, form.
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Darts Gold'.
Physocarpus oppulifolius 'Monloo', Diabolo®